30 JUN 2022

Immigration Hub Statement on Supreme Court Decision on Biden v. Texas

Washington, D.C. – The Immigration Hub released the following statement in response to the Supreme Court’s decision on Biden v. Texas, which ruled that the Biden administration has the power to set border policy and the Department of Homeland Security will no longer be forced to implement Trump’s cruel Remain in Mexico program. 

“Today’s decision is a victory that marks the end of a divisive and dangerous policy that put families in danger and left mothers, fathers, children, and vulnerable people stranded in Mexico,” said Kerri Talbot, Deputy Director of the Immigration Hub. “This decision reaffirms that President Biden can move forward with safe and orderly policies at the border rather than continuing inhumane and senseless Trump border policies. It also reaffirms the power of the administration to release individuals from detention and parole individuals into the U.S. as their legal cases are processed.

“This decision is welcome news as we continue to mourn the deaths of more than forty migrants who lost their lives in San Antonio hoping for their chance at the American Dream. The human loss in this tragic event is a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating impact draconian policies, such as Title 42 and ‘Remain in Mexico’,  have on children and families. 

“Every person exercising their right to seek asylum deserves to be safe while awaiting a decision on their cases, not put in danger, stranded, or kept in cages. America is at its best when we welcome those in need of protection, regardless of their background or the color of their skin. We reflect our best values and the will of the people when we ensure those seeking protection are safe, not left in the dangerous conditions they are fleeing from. 

“Even though we won on this decision today, this work is far from over. Across the country, Trump acolytes are using the courts to cement cruel policies. They tried to do it with Remain in Mexico, and have succeeded so far with Title 42 and dismantling cherished rights and values by overturning Roe v. Wade, gun safety regulation, and environmental protections. There’s no telling the lengths they will go to put in place policies that put lives at risk. 

“The Biden-Harris administration must accelerate its work to build a more fair and humane immigration system that ensures those seeking freedom and safety are given a fair process to come to this country. Instead of working to codify Title 42, Congress must act to strengthen our asylum system, put an end to harmful policies which deny families the right to a safe and fair asylum process, and center the safety of refugees and migrants.”

Remain in Mexico is a border policy that the Trump Administration put in place in 2019. Much like Title 42, Remain in Mexico turns away vulnerable people and families seeking safety, forcing them to survive in dangerous makeshift camps without water, food, or medical care where they’re forced to wait for months or even years. While the majority of those seeking asylum are from Latin America, migrants come from all over the globe and Black, Indigenous, and LGBTQ migrants are disproportionately harmed by Remain in Mexico.  

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The Immigration Hub is a national organization dedicated to advancing fair and just immigration policies through strategic leadership, innovative communications strategies, legislative advocacy and collaborative partnerships.